Sharing Sarah’s story this World Mental Health Day

Sarah is a specialist nurse in intensive care used to dealing with life-or-death emergencies.

She has two disabled children and is a single mum.  Earlier this year, the pressures of life caught up with her and her mental health began to suffer. She took time off work to recover.

Today is World Mental Health Day. We’re telling Sarah’s story to help raise awareness and to reduce the stigma around mental health.  We’ve changed Sarah’s name to protect her privacy.

We’re sharing Sarah’s story this World Mental Health Day

Sarah was referred to Hackney Foodbank by the mental health charity Mind.

She said: “Since last year, I’ve been having a having some hard times – I stopped working full time because I got really ill.

“Working full time and having two disabled children mentally broke me down. I couldn’t manage.

“The hospital is such an intense environment – it’s a critical area, you have to be quick thinking you have to assess a patient well because one mistake is detrimental. You have to be on par.”

When Sarah took time off to recover, her wages halved and she was unable to afford her £2,000 a month rent. She went into arrears and struggled to afford the essentials.

She added: “For a time, we lacked food and those are the times when things were hard.

“Being who I am, always independent – it was hard.

“My children come first and I said to myself while I am low, if I access help then it will help me to stand on my feet better and it will help me to tell others that there is help. Hackney Foodbank are very welcoming and I am grateful.”

Sarah is one of many visitors to Hackney Foodbank suffering from mental illness.

According to the mental health charity Mind, one in four people have mental health problems and many don’t get the help we need.

Pat Fitzsimons, CEO of Hackney Foodbank said: “Mental health problems can happen to anyone – Sarah was going through so much at work and at home and all by herself.  Taking time to recover was the right thing to do and I’m so relieved we and Mind have been able to support her and her family. 

“For many people, the food bank is part of a support network, easing pressure in times of crisis while they rebuild.

“A big part of our role at Hackney Foodbank is to listen and signpost people to organisations that can help provide additional support. There is so much help out there and so much compassion. My message to anyone suffering mental health problems is ‘you are not alone – things can get better. That first step of asking for help feels big but it can be the beginning of better times’.”

 For a list of organisations in Hackney supporting people with mental health problems, visit www.hackney.foodbank.org.uk/mental-health